Workshop Description

In this classic workshop you will learn from the originators of Future Search how to help a large group of people to plan their own future and to transform the planning into action. These principles and methodology make possible dramatic outcomes in one meeting.

Future Search is a unique PLANNING MEETING method used world-wide by communities and organizations for social, technological and economic planning. The method enables large, diverse groups to (1) validate a common mission, (2) take responsibility for action, and (3) organize for implementation, all within 2 1/2 days. 

Future search brings people from all walks of life into the same conversation - those with resources, expertise, formal authority and need. People tell stories about their past, present and desired future. Through dialogue they discover their common ground. Only then do they make concrete action plans.

Future Search succeeds because it helps people understand, value and share their own experiences in relation to a common goal. It requires no prior knowledge and uses no special jargon. It is based on principles derived from decades of research and practice. People work together successfully regardless of differences in in age, education, gender, race, ethnicity, class, or language. Future search often leads to cooperative planning that lasts for years—in businesses, communities, hospitals, schools, and government agencies.

Cases: Be welcome to explore the storie how IKEA was able to rethink its global distribution system for 10.000 products in a single meeting or the case of Federal Aviation Administration. You'll want to attend the Future Search training seminar, if you're intrigued by these high impacts, real life applications of Future Search.

You will learn the principles and methodology that make possible dramatic outcomes in one meeting. 

Even if you would never do a Future Search you can make use of these methods and principles in many other situations. 

Workshop agenda includes:

    • Theory, principles, history and dynamics of future search.

    • Conditions for success.

    • Conference planning and implementation.

    • Output and follow-up.

    • Facilitation skills and techniques.

    • World-wide applications and strategies.

For further information please see the
Workshop Brochure in English or Workshop Brochure in Finnish

or visit the websites of
Future Search Network and Ander & Lindström Partners.

Seminar Dates, Schedule and Program

The Managing a Future Search will take place 24-27 August 2008

A typical Future Search has 4 or 5 half-day sessions spread across three days. Our workshop will be conducted in a very similar way.

Day 1 - Sunday 5-7pm
Introduction  to the Workshop

Day 2 - Monday 8:30 - 18:00
Task 1--Focus on the Past
Task 2--Focus on Present, External Trends
Task 2 Continued--Stakeholder Response to External Trends

Day 3 - Tuesday 8:30 - 17:00
Task 2 Continued--Focus on Present, Owning Our Actions
Task 3--Ideal Future Scenarios
Task 4--Identify Common Ground

Day 4 - Wednesday morning 9:00 - 13:00
Task 4 Continued--Confirm Common Ground
Task 5--Action Planning